Leading with consistency, community, and heart: Sean O'Brien and his work as Student Senate President
By Victoria Gómez, Contributing Writer
For Sean O’Brien, Governors State University (GovState) has become more than a place to earn a degree; it’s where he discovered his leadership voice and the community that helped him grow into the Student Senate President he is today. Sean is a Political Science major who first arrived at GovState through the Dual Degree Program (DDP) after completing two years at South Suburban College.
Once at GovState, Sean found mentors who helped shape his academic and leadership journey. One of them was Professor Andrew Schott, who teaches Model Illinois Government and Model United Nations. “Professor Schott really motivated me to get involved,” Sean said. “He helped me gain confidence in my voice and showed me the importance of civic engagement. I probably wouldn’t be Student Senate President without that push.”
Sean quickly immersed himself in campus life. He’s been involved as a member in Tau Sigma National Honors Society, the Political Science Club, the Political Science Honor Society, and the Kaleidoscope Community Service Club. He’s also a student-athlete, competing in track and field and cross country.
Balancing academics, athletics, and leadership is no small feat, but Sean approaches it with determination. “Consistency is the most important thing,” he said. “We all have days when we don’t feel like showing up, but I’ve learned to perform regardless. Having great teammates, senators, and club members around me makes it easier to stay motivated, even on tough days.”
As Student Senate President, Sean has set his sights on three major goals for the academic year: university accountability, student engagement, and expanded participation. “Students want to be heard,” he said. “We’re working to include more student voices on university committees so that we can have a say in important decisions before they’re finalized.”
He’s also focused on increasing student involvement on campus. “GovState might not be a traditional college town, but we’re seeing more traditional college-aged students every year. We want to make sure everyone feels connected and has opportunities to enjoy their time here.”
Sean’s commitment to expanding participation is equally strong. “We’re looking to strengthen the election process and encourage more students to run for positions,” he said. “When more people get involved, the Senate becomes stronger, and the student body benefits.”
As graduation approaches, Sean plans to continue his education at GovState, pursuing a Masters in Public Administration. His long-term goal is to make a lasting impact on campus life and student engagement, much like one of his role models, Delton Pierce, who leads the Student Activities Council. “Delton is someone who really brings the campus to life,” Sean said. “He has this positive energy that makes everyone feel included. I’d love to have that kind of influence.”
Reflecting on his journey, Sean offers heartfelt advice to new and transfer students: “Take every opportunity you can. You never know where something might lead. There will always be reasons not to do something, but bravery is knowing those reasons and doing it anyway.”
Victoria Gómez is a College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) English Major and Marketing and Communications Student Worker.